Highlights
(all amounts are in US dollars unless otherwise noted)
Second Quarter 2024
- Daily oil production from the Illinois Basin increased 53% to 323 BOEPD in Q2 2024 compared to Q2 2023, following the completion of the development program approved in Q3 2023.
- Revenue of MUSD 2.2 from continuing operations increased 66% in Q2 2024 compared to Q2 2023.
- Operating netback of MUSD 1.1 from continuing operations increased 136% in Q2 2024 compared to Q2 2023, mainly due to higher production and lower production expense per barrel.
- Net loss of MUSD 23.1, mainly impacted by an unrealized net loss of MUSD 20 from the depreciation of 3R Petroleum shares during the quarter.
- Reclassification was done in the Group’s financial statement during Q2 2024 when the subsidiaries Maha Energy (Holding) Brasil Ltda. and Maha Energy Offshore Ltda. were classified as an asset held for sale.
- Total cash balance of MUSD 36.7 (including restricted cash of MUSD 31.6) and short-term investments of MUSD 65, represented by 3R Petroleum shares and 3R Offshore debentures.
- Additional investment of around MUSD 3 made in debentures of 3R Offshore (short-term investment).
Subsequent Events
- Maha Energy received around MUSD 1 of dividends from 3R Petroleum shares in July.
- Maha Energy has signed agreements with 3R Petroleum to merge its subsidiary, Maha Holding Brazil, rolling up its 15% holdings in 3R Offshore. The closing occurred on 31 July 2024, and Maha received around ten million shares on 05 August 2024, equivalent to MUSD 48 at the closing date.
- Maha Energy has issued new bank debt of MUSD 15, with an upfront fee of 1% and an annual interest rate of 6.9%, payable quarterly, and secured by 3R Petroleum shares. The debt has a one-year maturity and is intended to enhance the company’s liquidity.
- The Board of Directors resolved in August 2024 to initiate a share buy-back
- In August 2024, the Company has fully repaid the bank debt of MUSD 24 using cash collateral deposited in restricted cash accounts, and by making an early amortization, the Company will save approximately TUSD 600 in interest expenses, net of early payment fees. The original maturity date was March 31, 2025.
Financial Summary
The tables below present the highlights of the continuing operations:
| Financial Summary (TUSD) | Q2 2024 | Q1 2024 | Q2 2023 | 6M 2024 | 6M 2023 | Full Year 2023 |
| Average (BOEPD) | 323 | 334 | 211 | 328 | 222 | 197 |
| Revenue | 2,193 | 2,167 | 1,325 | 4,360 | 2,811 | 5,226 |
| Operating Netback | 1,108 | 1,182 | 470 | 2,290 | 1,119 | 2,197 |
| EBITDA | (861) | 729 | (1,145) | (132) | (1,474) | (2,905) |
| Net Result | (22,669) | 5,984 | 695 | (16,685) | (1,770) | (5,307) |
| Earnings per share (basic & diluted) | (0.13) | 0.03 | 0.00 | (0.10) | (0.01) | (0.03) |
| Financial Liabilities | (23,939) | (29,190) | (37,843) | (23,939) | (37,843) | (34,379) |
| Financial assets | 72,874 | 91,783 | 302 | 72,874 | 302 | 9,134 |
| Cash and cash equivalents (including restricted cash) | 36,709 | 47,684 | 96,445 | 36,709 | 96,445 | 131,119 |
Letter to Shareholders
Dear Friends and Fellow Shareholders,
In the second quarter of 2024, we advanced the project with our investment of 5% of the shares in 3R Petroleum even faster than our original plan. The transactions, including the merger of Enauta shares into 3R Petroleum and the roll up Maha’s 15% holdings in 3R Offshore into the combined entity, were initiated and approved in the quarter, and completed on July 31st, 2024. In just a couple of months, our vision for a consolidation within the Brazilian oil market has become a reality. Maha now holds 4.76% of the shares in one of the leading and most diversified independent companies operating in the Latin American oil and gas chain, with a strong cash flow generation over the next five years. 3R Petroleum has a balanced portfolio and will also have a significant growth potential during this time.
Last quarter, we reported a significant unrealized gain of MUSD 9 in our investment in 3R Petroleum. Following a depreciation of the Brazilian Real against the American Dollars in combination with an overall downturn in the valuation of Brazilian oil companies, we report a total unrealized loss of about MUSD 20 in the second quarter on this investment, including a reversal of the unrealized profit from last quarter. We expected that the valuation in the short term could fluctuate, but our initial assessment remains unchanged – we strongly believe that extensive existing synergies in the combined Enauta/3R Petroleum will unlock significant value for all shareholders going forward. In addition, following the roll-up, we will – based on current market price – in next quarter be able to report a substantial profit investment we made in 3R Offshore last year, demonstrating our ability to acquire cheap barrels to create value for our shareholders.
The production from Illinois Basin increased 53% compared to Q2 2023, as a result of the production launch in Q1 2024 from three new production wells. In addition, Maha spudded in this quarter the 2024 drilling program in Illinois consisting of three new production wells. After completion, the wells are expected to increase Maha’s current production from the Illinois Basin with production ramp up starting in Q3 2024.
The revenues for Q1 2024 increased 66% and amounted to TUSD 2,193. Our Operating Netback increased 136% following 16% lower OPEX per barrel and 11% higher realized oil price. Albeit still negative, our EBITDA improved to TUSD (861), up from TUSD (1,145) in Q2 last year. Following the roll-up of our stake in the Brazilian clusters Peroá and Papa Terra, those assets are recorded as assets held for sale as of this report. Our net result was significantly impacted by the unrealized net loss on 3R Petroleum shares, as mentioned above, which resulted in a net result of MUSD (23).
We have substantially strengthened our liquidity in the third quarter. We have raised a new bank debt of MUSD 15 at very good terms, secured with 3R Petroleum shares. We have also agreed with PetroRecôncavo to release an amount of MUSD 7 held in escrow after the sale of Maha Brazil last year. And in July, we received a dividend of around MUSD 1 from 3R Petroleum shares. We have also made an early and fully repayment of our bank debt of MUSD 24 using cash collateral from our restricted cash accounts. Through this we will not accrue interest expenses for the next three quarters (Q1 2025) resulting in savings around TUSD 600, net of early payment fees. Altogether, despite presently having tied up a substantial part of our liquidity in 3R Petroleum shares, I feel very comfortable with the flexibility of our present cash position.
Elections were held in Venezuela on 28 July 2024. We continue to have a tight dialogue with the official representatives from US, Brazil and Norway in order to understand the development in Venezuela. During the second quarter, we have continued our evaluation of the PetroUrdaneta assets. I remain very comfortable with the potential to significantly increase production and reserves for Maha in Venezuela. This is a project with substantial potential and limited downside exposure. Equally important, we also believe it will bring many positive economic, social and environmental impacts to the region and its population.
In May, the Annual General Meeting authorized the Board of Directors to initiate a share buyback program. Yesterday, we announced the details of this program, which is to commence shortly. The board and management firmly believe it will benefit the Company and all of our shareholders.
Stay with us – we remain true to our strategy and aim high!
Kjetil Braaten Solbraekke (CEO)
Q2 Webcast 13 August at 14:00 CEST
The Company invites all interested parties to a live webcasted presentation on 13 August at 14.00 CEST. Kjetil Solbraekke, CEO, and Roberto Marchiori, CFO, will present the report and recent developments.
The webcast will be held in English and will be broadcasted live. An on-demand version will also be available on Maha’s website. Questions to the presenters can be emailed in advance to the Company at info@maha-energy.com or be made directly on the day of the presentation in the YouTube Comments/Questions field.
Link to webcast: https://youtube.com/live/6wblcZRvhS0?feature=share